Commenting on a survey report published today by the Department
for Education, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of
the National Education Union, said:
“It is disappointing but also telling that the Department for
Education has kept the results of this survey under wraps for so
long. It did not feature in their submission of evidence to the
School Teachers’ Review Body as they consider pay for 2023/24.
The inescapable conclusion for all who read it now, is that
teacher workload is not only out of control but driving talented
people out of the profession.
“A succession of education secretaries have expressed warm words
about tackling workload, but in the same period they have failed
to shift the dial. The Government is far from finding a solution
and this is having damaging effects on recruitment and retention.
An above inflation and fully funded pay offer is one measure that
would make a crucial difference, but the Government is yet again
reluctant to take the decisive steps necessary to tackle
workload.
“The Government should act immediately to reduce the excess
workload associated with our failing accountability system and
should also plan to increase staffing and reduce class sizes.
“It is only proper that this survey is now considered by the
STRB, in addition to the wealth of evidence submitted by
education unions.”
